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Overview
As blissful as it is to escape Sydney for the whole weekend, you don't have to go far to lay your eyes on spectacular views. For a start, there's Sydney Harbour National Park, which gives you countless secluded harbour beaches and windswept cliff tops within the metropolitan area. Travel a bit further for Ku-ring-gai's secret coves; to Kamay Botany Bay for sweeping ocean vistas and Berowra or Lane Cove for tranquil rivers. Here are five hikes within a stone's throw of the city where you can stretch your legs while clearing your head with clear horizons.
BEROWRA TO BEROWRA WATERS, BEROWRA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
Catch a train to Berowra Station or drive your car to launch onto this 5.7-kilometre (11.4-kilometre round-trip) walk. The trail follows ridges most of the way, which means you're high enough to catch stunning vistas of Berowra Creek and its surrounding valley. One of the best spots for views is Naa Badu Lookout. You need a decent level of fitness to conquer this one: there's a few steep climbs, as well as several shady gullies, which provide sweet, sweet relief in scorching weather.
RIVERSIDE WALK, LANE COVE NATIONAL PARK
Desperate for some peace and quiet, but can't find more than a couple of hours to escape everyday demands? Catch a bus or drive your car to Lane Cove National Park. The Riverside Walk might not offer the heady panoramas covered by other hikes on this list, but it's damn pretty. The gentle trail runs alongside the Lane Cove River, scrambling over rocky outcrops and passing through gorgeous picnic areas, while cockatoos flash white overhead. You can enter and leave the trail at various points, so if you're limited for time, you won't have a major issue.
Ian Sanderson via Flickr.
NORTH HEAD WALK, SYDNEY HARBOUR NATIONAL PARK
Escape Manly's meandering crowds with this eleven-kilometre loop around North Head. The track begins on the eastern side of Shelly Beach (stop here on hot days for a dip or snorkel), where stairs disappear into bushland and finish up, handily, at Manly Wharf. Along the way, take in panoramas of the Northern Beaches, the dizzying sandstone cliffs of North Head and Sydney Harbour from all kinds of angles. You also pass through former military barracks and the ex-quarantine station, including its poignant cemetery. Divert to Little Collins Beach on your return journey to meet fairy penguins.
Red Hands Cave, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
MACKEREL BEACH AND WEST HEAD LOOP, KU-RING-GAI CHASE NATIONAL PARK
As far as views of Pittwater and Brisbane Waters — Sydney's two stunning northern water bodies — go, there's no better vantage point than West Head in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. You can drive there, but walking is way more rewarding. Turn your adventure into a full-day hike with this 8.6-kilometre circuit, which starts and finishes with a ferry ride from Palm Beach. You pass a few sparkling swimming beaches, wander along bush-lined trails (as well as paved roads), visit ancient Aboriginal rock art at Red Hands Cave and get to see legendary Lion Island.
HENRY HEAD TRACK, KAMAY BOTANY BAY NATIONAL PARK
If you don't feel like moving too much, yet still want all the views, get yourself to Kamay Botany Bay National Park and, more specifically, Henry Head Track. This stroll is really easy, yet, at nearly every twist and turn, there's another refreshing, beautiful perspective of the Tasman Sea and Botany Bay before you wind up at Endeavour Lighthouse. Along the way, expect to be accompanied by kookaburras, lorikeets, yellow-tailed black cockatoos, blue-tongue lizards and water dragons.
Make sure you plan ahead for any hike to ensure you have the best and safest experience. Tell somebody you're going and send them your route, take care during your hike as not all tracks are signposted and there may be fragile native plant and animal communities nearby, ensure you bring proper gear and plenty of water, and once you've returned, check in with friends and/or family to make sure they know you've made it back safely. Find more information on bushwalking safety here.
For more inspiration to get outside and explore, visit National Parks NSW and check out their Instagram @nswnationalparks.